Breathable sheets made of natural materials like cotton or linen allow for increased air movement and ventilation, both of which keep you cool and dry while you sleep.
Linen is a popular choice and is quite breathable, whereas other materials have moisture-wicking and temperature-regulation properties. After sleeping on nearly every sheet there is for weeks, I've concluded that linen and cotton percale make some of the best cooling sheets.
Recap: best sheets for hot sleepers
Linen sheets are light and breathable – great for hot sleepers in dry heat. Cotton sheets are your versatile all-rounders – classics for a reason. Silk sheets need a bit of TLC, but add a touch of luxury while they keep you cool.
Percale sheets made from long-staple Egyptian-cotton are famously lightweight sheets. This naturally cool and breathable cotton is the best bed sheet material for night sweats. Also worth noting, the soft-to-the-touch material will have you sleeping better in general as well.
Material. Most of the sleep experts I spoke to agreed that sheets made of natural fibers, like cotton and linen, are your best bet for sweaty sleepers because they're the most breathable (and therefore cooling). When it comes to cotton, the weave of a fabric matters, too.
In conclusion, selecting the proper sheets is essential for hot sleepers who struggle to stay cool throughout the night. Avoid polyester, flannel, microfibre, and silk, as they trap heat and hinder airflow. Instead, opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo, or Tencel.
Bamboo sheets are usually cooler than cotton because they're naturally breathable and wick moisture from your skin. Bamboo's structure allows for better air circulation, helping to regulate body temperature and keep you cooler. Cotton is also breathable but might not keep you as cool as bamboo will.
“Cooling sheets can help those struggling with temperature regulation, especially in menopause or from other hormonal issues,” says Dr. Syed. “In certain scenarios, they can also help to prevent the need for insomnia medications because the solution may just be optimal temperature during sleep.”
200TC Egyptian Cotton makes excellent sheets for hot sleepers. Cotton is cool to the touch, breathable, durable, and moisture-wicking. Air can circulate effectively through this natural material, providing a much cooler sleep. Additionally, a thread count of 200 to 450 is optimal for keeping cool.
Cotton Sheets
The most popular choice for sheets, cotton is light, breathable, and absorbent, making it perfect for warm nights and hot sleepers. Cotton sheets are also soft, versatile, and an ideal choice for those looking for a cool and comfortable sleep.
Egyptian cotton is more breathable, moisture-wicking and absorbent than normal cotton, which helps to regulate your body temperature, making it ideal for balmy summer nights, and all year round comfortable sleeping. This works by drawing away moisture from your skin when you are hot, allowing you to cool down.
While washing your sheets regularly will get them fresh and clean again, wash cycles will wear down the integrity of the fabric over time. No matter your bedding, all sheets will need to be replaced at some point. How long do sheets last? Most experts recommend buying new sheets every one to two years.
Bamboo Sheet Weaves
Since the threads are evenly dispersed, it's easy for air to pass through the fabric, making them a good choice for hot sleepers. Percale sheets usually have a matte finish, and while they're generally easy to care for, they do tend to wrinkle fairly easily.
You can put all your bed sheets in the freezer, or just decide between whether to put your fitted sheet or duvet cover in there instead. Remember to place the sheet (or sheets) into a resealable plastic bag before you put them into the freezer too!
Cotton: Classic cotton, especially percale cotton, is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. It's also typically more affordable than high-tech synthetics, and many people love the traditional soft feel. Linen: Like cotton, linen is naturally breathable with a structure that feels light and airy.
The Culprits Behind Yellowing Sheets
Our bodies produce oils and sweat and shed dead skin cells, which all find their way into the fabric of our sheets. Over time, these residues build up and cause that unsightly yellow hue we're all too familiar with.
Night sweats are repeated episodes of very heavy sweating during sleep, heavy enough to soak your nightclothes or bedding. They're often caused by an underlying condition or illness. Sometimes you may wake up after sweating heavily, particularly if you're sleeping under too many blankets or your bedroom is too warm.
Yes, bamboo is a very breathable fabric. In most cases, you'll find that bamboo sheets keep you cooler throughout the night. Bamboo stays about 3 degrees cooler than cotton on average. It's breathable enough to allow your body heat to easily escape.
You Should Buy Microfiber Sheets If:
You want moisture-wicking and absorbent properties to keep sleepers dry and cool. You would want something silky, slippery, and smooth feel due to the small, thin fibers.
Hotels generally get decent quality for a good price by using a low thread count. Less threads means less cotton, and less cotton often means better quality for the same money. The resulting sheet is usually finer, crisper and cooler to sleep in (like ours) hence 'cool and crisp'.
While it may be harder to come by, bamboo linen, also known as bast bamboo fiber, uses a chemical-free mechanical process that may appeal more to eco-conscious shoppers. However, the resulting fabric tends to be somewhat coarse and prone to wrinkling.
Because bamboo sheets are delicate and soft, it's advised that you air dry them, to avoid damaging the fibres and maintain elasticity and colour. However, it is possible to machine dry bamboo sheets, so long as you choose a low heat and remove your bedding from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
Additionally, the tight weave of bamboo fabric acts as a barrier against dust mites, ensuring they have less access to their favourite food - our dead skin cells.